Dear American Christian; I’m just writing because I’m  a little confused and I’m hoping you can clear up a few things. Over the last few years, some of your messages have been, shall we say, ‘mixed’? Of course, I’m sure it was just a misunderstanding. I probably just misinterpreted something.

As an American living in the USA I try to live my life according to the teachings of Jesus. Thinking that was the point, of course. But some of your behavior seems to me not to follow those same teachings. Maybe you can help me understand what I’m missing.

Now I know that politics is politics and voting for Donald Trump doesn’t automatically mean you sign on to or participate in some of the questionable behaviors that have left me scratching my head. Some of you have always been your sweet self with me; never waved the Republican flag in my face as if it were the Banner of Christ; and I never heard you say a negative word about democrats, immigrants, homeless, or any other population. 

No candidate is perfect and debating which of the candidates best represents your values and positions is healthy, as long as we are listening to each other, and doing our research, which means more than regurgitating our favorite media’s talking points. But some of you did all of those things mentioned above – the flag in my face, demeaning people, and you did it in the name of Jesus. That’s where I lost the plot.

So, does this love your enemies thing not apply when they are democrats or liberals or just more left-leaning in their politics than you? I don’t like being treated like a horrible human being just for having a different political opinion. Of course, you probably didn’t mean me, when you made that demeaning comment about democrats in front of me, but it still stings and I just don’t quite understand why it’s ok for Christians to mock and vilify politicians and other Americans that aren’t on your particular team.

I’m surprised when I hear you speak negatively about people like me, mock them, twist their names into something demeaning, as if you forget you’re speaking about human beings, made in the image of God, deserving of His love. At least that’s what I hear you preaching on Sunday. Did I misunderstand something?

My mother taught me not to make derogatory comments about other people. Of course, she had to explain what derogatory meant. Turns out it means not to demean, belittle, and put others down. Unfortunately, politics can be full of mud-slinging. There’s nothing new about that, but somewhere between loving your enemies and loving your neighbor as yourself I thought Christians would be different. They would know we are Christians by our love type of thing?

I believe that if I am blessed then it is meant to be shared with those less fortunate. To care for the poor, the hungry, the stranger. To give a glass of water to the least of these, because that is the same as giving it to Jesus. At least, that was what I read in the Bible.

So aren’t the homeless hungry? Wouldn’t immigrants qualify as strangers? If I’m reading it correctly, it seems the Bible talks a lot about caring for the poor, having mercy, and being concerned about justice.

But maybe I’m missing something. Maybe these particular immigrants and homeless really are eating our pets and endangering the welfare of us normal white folks, by wanting the things we have – food, a place to live, safety, etc.

John the Baptist, got himself in quite a bit of trouble for challenging Herod for living in adultery with his brother’s wife. He was imprisoned and then beheaded. Calling out unrighteous rulers for their improper behavior, does come with risks. So maybe that’s why I haven’t seen many Christians taking those risks with Donald Trump. 

But I was surprised when instead, the opposite happened. You looked the other way when his behavior was, um, questionable to say the least. Made excuses. I thought we’d know people by their fruit and if I remember correctly there is a very specific list of what good fruit in a person looks like – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. I didn’t see that in him. I saw a lot of other things that looked nothing like that list, but I must have missed that particular speech where those fruits were on display.

But you’re right, it’s probably me that needs to be reminded that earthly kingdoms will rise and fall, but the Kingdom of God is above all of those things. I can’t put my faith in a fallible human being, even when one of the two choices didn’t have criminal convictions and pending lawsuits. I was thinking the one who didn’t vilify everyone who didn’t agree with him was the better choice. But what do I know?

Or maybe, I just don’t like what you are calling Christianity.

Sincerely, Sharon L. Letson

Feel free to disagree civilly in the comments below. Trolls will be banished.